The R.O.S.E. (Realizing Options for Student Excellence) was established in 1994 to support young women in their junior and senior years of high school.  Dr. Bobbie George, Emeritus Faculty of California State University, Bakersfield, created the idea of R.O.S.E and was the driving force behind the program from its inception.  Over the years, approximately 800 high school student have had the opportunity to shadow an adult mentor.  The program consists of several seminars for mentors and mentees.  Mentors and their ROSE students meet once or twice a month between September and May.

Some of the topics focused on in the monthly meetings include:

• Exploring career options
• Effective communications skills
• Balancing work/school/life
• Money management
• Dinning Etiquette
• Social media safety
• Building self-confidence

The seminars are designed to help the student mentees better recognize their value and self-worth.  All R.O.S.E. mentees receive a scholarship to cover the cost of attending the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference.  The adult mentors act as role models to encourage students to formulate and set goals, and to continue their education through high school graduation and beyond.

Please consider using your talents and give back to a young lady in Kern County.  Become an R.O.S.E. mentor.  Stop by the R.O.S.E. booth during the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference and/or contact the R.O.S.E coordinator – Susan Spears @ vismama@att.net or cell phone # – 661-428-5141.

R.O.S.E. applications are available by clicking the link above.